Energy Democracy Media Roundup — Week of November 26, 2018

Over 200 mayors from all 50 states signed onto a letter calling for more solar power deployment. They cited the both economic and environmental benefits. Solar photovoltaic panels have declined in cost by 99% over the past few decades thanks to smart public policy. A new study illustrates the economic viability of Minnesota reaching its renewable energy goals by 2050. Plus, electric vehicles adoption is spreading in the central U.S.

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“Cities and towns are natural centers of electricity demand, have the rooftops and infrastructure needed for installing solar panels, and can craft policies to help residents and utilities make the switch to solar power,” the letter states.

The district has a current goal of obtaining 50 percent of its power from renewables by 2032, and the change reflected in the bill represents the most aggressive, fastest-acting climate change legislation in the country. It would also allow the district to enact regional agreements with neighboring Virginia and Maryland to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Nationwide Energy Democracy News:

Solar loans emerged as the dominant financing solution for residential systems in the first half of 2018, as existing loan providers scaled up through major installer partnerships and new loan providers grew via relationships with regional installers, according to the latest U.S. residential solar finance report from Wood Mackenzie.

For a quarter-century, the industry has been supported by federal tax credits that helped it attract $250 billion in investments and create 100,000 jobs, according to the American Wind Energy Association. That support ends next year, but analysts and executives say the credits have done what they were supposed to do: make the industry competitive.

Over the past several years, a number of states in the central part of the US have also been busy developing their own EV programs. Although the region has not achieved the same level of EV adoption—yet—there is a growing ambition and steady progress.

Hibba Meraay manages communications for the Institute for Local Self-Reliance. She works closely with all of our initiatives to build community power and combat monopolies. A native New Englander, Hibba is a graduate of Boston University. Contact Hibba for media inquiries.